'Yahaan' will show people the real Kashmir

'Yahaan' will show people the real Kashmir
Tuesday, July 12, 2005 11:36 IST
By Santa Banta News Network
One more film about the violence in Kashmir? Not really, says director Shoojit Sircar of "Yahaan", explaining it will show the reality, the people behind the gunfire and the aspirations behind the agony.

"This is the first film to be shot in downtown Srinagar," told Sircar.

"We have tried to make it as authentic as possible and completely about the people of Kashmir. Otherwise, films on Kashmir become a mix of clichés about the militants and the (Indian) Army."

The film, which releases later this year and whose stark, almost "Thin Red Line"-ish promos are now on TV, stars Jimmy Shergill and debutante Minissha.

Shergill plays a compassionate army officer and Minissha is a local girl called Adaa who falls in love with Shergill's character, Captain Aman.

The film delves into their lives and travails as they try to battle for a love against all odds and against the backdrop of a Kashmir set ablaze by insurgent violence.

"These are two young people who have the same dreams and ideas that young people around the world have - and yet their circumstances are such that they cannot fulfill them," said Sircar, who has made 200 commercials before "Yahaan".

"But they believe that they can triumph, they believe that they can surpass all odds and make it happen. You see, I don't think that the lives of the young in Kashmir has really been dealt with in cinema - how does it feel like to be young in Kashmir?

"That's what I have tried to address," said Sircar, the man who made the famous "Mann Ke Manjere" video with Shubha Mudgal.

In the film, said Sircar, there is no glossing over or adding glamour to Kashmir.

"It is a very beautiful place and there is phenomenal warmth in people. That's what I have tried to portray - what is the true nature of 'Kashmiriyat', how that culture is unique."

He said he believes that after more than a decade of relentless violence, Jammu and Kashmir is much misunderstood and people have forgotten the reality of the place.

"All we see about Kashmir in our films is the Dal Lake and I wanted to say that there is more to Kashmir than the Dal Lake."
Sanjay Dutt calls The Bhootnii a perfect horror-comedy blend and reveals what made him come on board for the film!

Renowned for his intense performances and larger-than-life screen presence, Sanjay Dutt is set to

Friday, April 04, 2025
Sara Ali Khan Embraces Spirituality at Karnataka's Chandramauleshwara Temple!

Actress Sara Ali Khan, known for her elegance and grounded nature, once again showcased her deep spiritual

Friday, April 04, 2025
Tanya Maniktala reveals what makes her latest series Loot Kaand a compelling watch on Amazon MX Player!

Amazon MX Player, Amazon’s free streaming service, turned up the heat with its latest series, Loot Kaand, a

Friday, April 04, 2025
Shilpa Shetty emphasises perseverance as the key to success at Femina Circle's empowering debut in Pune!

Femina Circle, is an exclusive membership club designed for women to connect, foster meaningful

Friday, April 04, 2025
Badshah Gets Emotional Remembering Sidhu Moose Wala During 'Indian Idol 15' Finale!

The grand finale of ‘Indian Idol Season 15’ turned emotional as rapper and music sensation Badshah

Friday, April 04, 2025
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT